Content Compliance Guide for Distribution in the Russian Federation

1. Who is responsible

Under Russian law, the rightsholder and the party initiating distribution are responsible for the legality of the content.

This means:

• – artist
• – label
• – distributor
• – or other rightsholder

may be held liable if the content violates applicable regulations.

Digital platforms also conduct their own compliance reviews and may block or remove releases without prior notice.

2. Content that may be blocked or restricted

Russian law prohibits or restricts the distribution of content containing certain themes, especially when presented in a positive, promotional, or instructional way. Below are the most common risk categories relevant to music releases.

A. Drug-related content

Content may be restricted if it includes:

• – promotion or romanticization of drug use
• – descriptions of how drugs are produced, acquired, or used
• – slang or coded references associated with drug culture
• – presentation of drug use as attractive, normal, or socially accepted

Neutral or narrative references may still carry risk depending on context. Repeated violations may result in criminal liability under Russian law.

B. Extremism, hate speech, or violence against groups

Content may be blocked if it includes:

• – calls for violence
• – hate speech targeting nationality, religion, ethnicity, or social groups
• – extremist symbols or slogans
• – justification of violence or terrorism

This applies to lyrics, visuals, cover art, and video content.

C. Nazi symbols or extremist imagery

Russian law prohibits:

• – Nazi symbols or gestures
• – imagery closely resembling prohibited symbols
• – extremist organizational symbols

Even brief or symbolic use may result in blocking.

D. Suicide or self-harm content

Content may be restricted if it includes:

• – descriptions of suicide methods
• – encouragement of self-harm
• – romanticized depiction of suicide

E. Explicit adult content and age-restricted material

Content containing explicit language, sexual content, violence, or drug references must be properly age-restricted.

Age labeling does not legalize prohibited content, but failure to label adult content may result in additional penalties or removal.

F. Certain social and political themes

Russian law restricts the promotion of certain social topics, including gender transition and specific relationship themes, particularly when presented as socially normative or promoted to minors.

Because legal interpretation may vary, content involving these topics may undergo additional scrutiny.

G. Content related to gender transition, childfree themes, and certain relationship topics

Russian law prohibits the distribution of content that is considered to promote or present as socially normative:

• – gender transition
• – refusal of childbirth (“childfree” ideology)
• – certain non-traditional relationship models

This regulation is established under Article 6.21 of the Code of Administrative Offences of the Russian Federation and related amendments adopted in 2022–2024.

In practice, platforms and regulators may review lyrics, music videos, cover artwork, visuals, promotional materials, and social media content.

Neutral depiction may still be subject to review, and interpretation can vary. Because of this, some releases may be restricted, age-limited, or declined for distribution in Russia.

These restrictions apply regardless of the artist’s country of residence if the content is distributed to Russian platforms.

3. Where these rules apply

These requirements apply when content is distributed through:

• – Russian streaming platforms (e.g., Yandex Music, VK Music)
• – social media accessible in Russia
• – concert promotions and live performances
• – music videos distributed to Russian platforms
• – physical releases distributed within Russia

They apply even if the artist is based outside Russia.

4. Possible consequences of non-compliance

Platforms or regulators may:

• – refuse distribution
• – block or remove releases
• – restrict access to content
• – suspend artist or label accounts
• – impose administrative fines

In certain cases, repeated violations may lead to criminal liability for individuals operating within Russian jurisdiction.

5. Age ratings and platform controls

Streaming platforms typically apply their own explicit content labels, age restrictions, and automated moderation systems.

However, rightsholders remain responsible for the content itself.

6. Recommendations for artists and labels

Before distributing content to Russian platforms, we recommend reviewing:

Lyrics:

• – avoid explicit drug promotion
• – avoid extremist or hate speech
• – avoid references that may be interpreted as illegal promotion

Visual content:

• – avoid prohibited symbols
• – review cover art and video imagery

Metadata and promotion:

• – ensure proper explicit content flags
• – avoid problematic descriptions or promotional text

7. Sundesire Media Worx compliance procedures

To protect both artists and rightsholders, Sundesire Media Worx conducts additional compliance checks for releases intended for distribution in Russia.

In some cases, releases may be delayed, restricted, or declined if they present significant legal risk.

This process helps prevent platform takedowns, account penalties, and legal exposure for rightsholders.

8. Important note